Kenya continues to lag in sanitation access, with only 29% coverage, according to the latest WASREB Impact Report. This gap is most pronounced in Low-Income Areas, where the struggle for dignified sanitation remains a daily challenge. The lack of proper sanitation has far-reaching consequences, forcing families to rely on contaminated water sources, increasing health risks, consequently, diminishing overall quality of life.
Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) has taken proactive steps to bridge the sanitation gap through its pro-poor best practices. However, the real game-changer has been its participation in the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA-UN HABITAT) program, and as part of this international network, Kiambu Water has received mentorship and peer support that has significantly strengthened its operational, financial and technical capabilities.
GWOPA-UN HABITAT is a three-year mentorship initiative which aims to enhance operational capacity and expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for 250,000 people in low-income areas. The mentorship program supports Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company, Amatsi Water Services Co. Ltd, Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company, and Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company, with Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company serving as the lead mentor.
Kiambu Water has achieved significant milestones under this program. One, they have developed the Social Connection Policy and Pro-poor Policy that outlines the procedure to be followed by a customer to connect water and sewer. This has significantly reduced the cost of connecting to a reliable water and sewer system for LIAs which previously posed an insurmountable barrier.
Secondly, through the Upscaling Sanitation for the Urban Poor (UBSUP) program, the utility transformed neighbourhoods which previously had overflowed pit latrines, that were not only a sore sight but also breeding grounds for diseases. Through the program, Kiambu Water prepared a project proposal for funding, which bore fruit securing Kshs. 5,150,247 million to construct 200 Safisan toilets. To date, 142 toilets have been paid for, while 58 are complete but awaiting payment. These toilets have revolutionized hygiene and health in the community. Handwashing has also improved while businesses are thriving in a cleaner environment, and the risk of disease outbreaks has significantly reduced.
No great change happens without the support of the people. Well aware of this fact, KIWASCO has prioritized stakeholder engagement. Through community outreach programs, they have held public participation forums, Chiefs’ Barazas, and stakeholder meetings, efforts that have educated residents about water and sanitation services and empowered them to voice their concerns and take ownership of their environment.
Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and KIWASCO is determined to make it a reality for more households. In areas like Ngegu, Ruturo, and Rungu, 16 kilometers of pipeline have been laid, bringing fresh water closer to families who once relied on unreliable sources. While challenges such as resource limitations and insufficient water sources persist, the progress is undeniable.
Lastly, through the program, Kiambu Water has managed to reduce the Non-Revenue Water from 37% to an average 32% as at the end of FY 2023/24. To enhance water distribution, they have set out 10 District Metered Areas (DMA). They also developed the Non-Revenue Water Policy which will provide a roadmap to support the management of water losses to the recommended sector benchmark of below 20%.
All these efforts have not gone unnoticed. In the 2022-2023 WASREB Impact Report, KIWASCO made a significant leap from position 36 to 27, improving their performance score from 53% to 62%. With the support of GWOPA, its service maturity level has risen from 49% in 2022 to an impressive 89% in 2024, demonstrating the transformative impact of strategic partnerships.
Through innovation, collaboration, and resilience, Kiambu Water is demonstrating that clean water and sanitation are not just privileges but rights that every resident deserves.
Kiambu Water’s pro poor leading practices under the GWOPA-UN HABITAT mentorship program
Kenya continues to lag in sanitation access, with only 29% coverage, according to the latest WASREB Impact Report. This gap is most pronounced in Low-Income Areas, where the struggle for dignified sanitation remains a daily challenge. The lack of proper sanitation has far-reaching consequences, forcing families to rely on contaminated water sources, increasing health risks, consequently, diminishing overall quality of life.
Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) has taken proactive steps to bridge the sanitation gap through its pro-poor best practices. However, the real game-changer has been its participation in the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA-UN HABITAT) program, and as part of this international network, Kiambu Water has received mentorship and peer support that has significantly strengthened its operational, financial and technical capabilities.
GWOPA-UN HABITAT is a three-year mentorship initiative which aims to enhance operational capacity and expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for 250,000 people in low-income areas. The mentorship program supports Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company, Amatsi Water Services Co. Ltd, Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company, and Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company, with Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company serving as the lead mentor.
Kiambu Water has achieved significant milestones under this program. One, they have developed the Social Connection Policy and Pro-poor Policy that outlines the procedure to be followed by a customer to connect water and sewer. This has significantly reduced the cost of connecting to a reliable water and sewer system for LIAs which previously posed an insurmountable barrier.
Secondly, through the Upscaling Sanitation for the Urban Poor (UBSUP) program, the utility transformed neighbourhoods which previously had overflowed pit latrines, that were not only a sore sight but also breeding grounds for diseases. Through the program, Kiambu Water prepared a project proposal for funding, which bore fruit securing Kshs. 5,150,247 million to construct 200 Safisan toilets. To date, 142 toilets have been paid for, while 58 are complete but awaiting payment. These toilets have revolutionized hygiene and health in the community. Handwashing has also improved while businesses are thriving in a cleaner environment, and the risk of disease outbreaks has significantly reduced.
No great change happens without the support of the people. Well aware of this fact, KIWASCO has prioritized stakeholder engagement. Through community outreach programs, they have held public participation forums, Chiefs’ Barazas, and stakeholder meetings, efforts that have educated residents about water and sanitation services and empowered them to voice their concerns and take ownership of their environment.
Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and KIWASCO is determined to make it a reality for more households. In areas like Ngegu, Ruturo, and Rungu, 16 kilometers of pipeline have been laid, bringing fresh water closer to families who once relied on unreliable sources. While challenges such as resource limitations and insufficient water sources persist, the progress is undeniable.
Lastly, through the program, Kiambu Water has managed to reduce the Non-Revenue Water from 37% to an average 32% as at the end of FY 2023/24. To enhance water distribution, they have set out 10 District Metered Areas (DMA). They also developed the Non-Revenue Water Policy which will provide a roadmap to support the management of water losses to the recommended sector benchmark of below 20%.
All these efforts have not gone unnoticed. In the 2022-2023 WASREB Impact Report, KIWASCO made a significant leap from position 36 to 27, improving their performance score from 53% to 62%. With the support of GWOPA, its service maturity level has risen from 49% in 2022 to an impressive 89% in 2024, demonstrating the transformative impact of strategic partnerships.
Through innovation, collaboration, and resilience, Kiambu Water is demonstrating that clean water and sanitation are not just privileges but rights that every resident deserves.
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